Like humans, many dogs fear visits to the vet and the stress these visits causes can result in severe health problems, mask signs of pain or sensitivity, skew diagnostic tests, weaken the immune system and cause diahorrea. Luckily, there are now simple things you can do to make your dog’s visits to the veterinarian less stressful.
Reducing stress before the vet visit
- Stress starts at home. Dogs who run away when they see the harness or the carrier are actually scared. Make sure your dog gets used to the harness or the carrier prior to visiting the vet. The carrier can be left out and used to play, sleep or eat in on a regular basis. Help your dog get used to the collar or the harness and the leash around the house or in the yard.
- Get your dog used to riding in the car long before his first vet visit. Start with short rides around the block and increase the distance gradually. If he suffers extreme anxiety or motion sickness, your vet will prescribe medication to help ease the symptoms.
Reducing stress at the vet clinic
- With the clinic’s permission and if at all possible pop into the clinic with your dog before his official appointment – just to say hi. If he makes friends with the staff and gets to know the environment as a friendly, safe place he’ll be less anxious on the day of the exam.
- If your dog is coming for a consultation or procedure not requiring sedation, bring along a few treats to use as a distraction during the examination or procedure. Reward him or her with a big hug once the exam is over.
- Just the way babies pick up on stress from their mothers, so your dog will pick up your stress too. Stress is contagious. Do your best to remain calm and comforting when it’s time for the vet visit. Your dog trusts you and senses your emotions, so if you’re on edge, your dog will be as well.
Reducing post-consultation stress
- If your dog is sent home with a cone, leave it on. Taking the cone off and putting it back on is not only annoying, but scary. You may think that it’s stressful to wear this contraption, but it will be far more stressful for the dog to go through re-stitching an opened incision if your dog licks or chews at the stitches. Most dogs will get used to the cone quickly if you leave it on around the clock.
- If your dog gives you a hard time when taking pills, don’t turn this into a big fight. There are treats you can hide pills in.
- Give your dog an opportunity to rest. The quieter you keep your dog, the quicker the healing. Let your dog sleep!
- If your dog requires confinement, keep the location consistent. Use the same crate or the same room. Switching from a room, while you are home, to a crate, when you are out, will make your dog feel as if he is being punished. Spend time with your dog in or near the confined area you chose. Your presence will make him feel like he’s still part of the family. Read a book, watch TV or listen to music with him. It may be a much needed break for you as well.
- Follow all aftercare instructions given by your veterinarian. They can help your dog recover quickly. Follow-up appointments are not optional. They might include suture removal, bandage changes, follow-up x-rays and progress examinations.
If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your vet. She is your best resource to ensure the health and wellbeing of your pets.
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